AMP SUMMER CAMP 2018 AUDITIONS

March 24 // April 7 // May 6

Auditions for AMP Summer Camp 2018 are now closed
Open to musicians entering 6th-12th grade

Our AMP Summer Camp 2018 open call auditions are open to all Coachella Valley musicians who will be completing the 5th grade through 11th grade in June 2018. Students must sign up for an audition below, and will then receive an email about your assigned audition time.  If you are interested in AMP programming but missed our summer auditions, fill out an AMP Interest Form here to be updated on your next chance to join AMP.  

What skills should I know before participating in AMP? 

Though playing in a band is a challenge if you don't know the basics of your instrument, you don't need to be a musical genius to play in a band or participate in AMP!  Here are skills that are good to know before you audition for AMP:

• How to Play Your Instrument

AMP is not a music lessons program for individual instrument instruction; we are focused on the skills needed to play music with other people.  For this reason, musicians coming into AMP need to have some amount of experience on the instrument they wish to participate on.  It doesn't need to be a lot, just enough to communicate with other people!

•  Note Names on your Instrument

At AMP, we learn music by ear and through charts. You do not need to be able to read music to participate in AMP (though we recommend it regardless!)  In order to effectively communicate with your bandmates, you should be able to identify notes and chords on your instrument with relative ease (eg. "play an Bmin chord, play an F#")

• Ear Training

Being able to identify a pitch on your instrument/voice when someone sings or plays you a pitch is an important skill when learning contemporary music styles. It is not necessary for you to have perfect pitch, but it is worth practicing being able to find notes on your instrument through listening, rather than reading. Here is a free resource to practice ear training if you are interested. 

• Multi-Instrumentalism

AMP is all about ways to communicate with others, and a great way to communicate with your bandmates is through understanding their instruments. You will have opportunities at AMP to explore other instruments, but being able to play multiple roles in a band is a useful skill and helps AMP have more flexibility with who we accept. Particularly with vocalists - if you are able to participate in a band in a way other than just vocals (eg. keyboards, guitar, ukelele, percussion like tambourine or shaker, etc), your chances of being accepted into AMP are much higher!

What To Audition

Although the audition time is limited, we would like to see each individual perform:  

• A short classic (pre 1980) musical excerpt  
• A short modern (post 1980ish) musical excerpt  
• If possible, a demonstration of original or improvised music  

These guidelines are intentionally loose. We understand that for some this may be your first audition. You are welcome and encouraged to make the audition show your strengths. Nervousness and jitters are common. The audition process is as much about being yourself as it is about performance. 

Audition Format

At the audition, you will meet the judges, some AMP committee members and the music director of the program. The judges ask questions, then the student performs either a song or a mash-up of songs not to exceed 5 minutes. The judges will then ask more questions and send the student on their way. Participants will be notified by email after all auditions have been seen whether they are accepted into the program.  

Each applicant will be assigned a 10 min time slot which will include approximately 5 min of performance and 5 min of questions by the selection committee. Please show up at least 25 min early and check in at registration. Parents and guardians will fill out forms during this time.

When called into the audition space, bring your instrument(s). A backline (guitar amp, microphones, drum set, bass amp, music stand) will be provided for the audition. Your audition may be video taped or audio recorded. 

The AMP selection committee is looking to see some level of musical proficiency, aptitude for learning about music, enthusiasm for performing, and willingness to work in groups. Last year AMP accepted a wide variety of musicians with diverse backgrounds, experiences and genres. We expect this year to be no different.  

The Q&A by the selection committee will be easy questions about your personal taste, goals and ambitions, experiences playing music in groups, past music classes, and lessons. 

In-Person Audition Dates for AMP Summer Camp 2018:  

Saturday, March 24th – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

3111 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs

Saturday, April 7 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

75180 Mediterranean Ave, Palm Desert

Sunday, May 6 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Indio, CA (Boys and Girls Club)

Find out more details about AMP Summer Camp at the AMP CAMP page in the menu bar.

Questions? Please email us and we will add them to our FAQ.